The First Church (1713 – 1848)
The spiritual heart of Pointe-Claire began with the official establishment of the parish of Saint-Joachim-de-la-Pointe-Claire in 1713. Carved out of existing parishes to serve a growing population of settlers, the construction of a permanent church was the single most important event in the founding of our community.
Plan of a church similar to that of the first church by Jean Maillou, c. 1715
(Source: Musée de la Civilisation, Seminary of Quebec Archives)
A Parish is Born
Originally named Saint-François-de-Sales, the parish was created by separating territories from Lachine and Sainte-Anne-du-Bout-de-l’Île. For over a decade, the area was served by visiting priests, most notably René-Charles de Breslay. The appointment of a full-time resident priest and the establishment of a true community were entirely dependent on the construction of a proper church for worship and administration.
A Foundational Structure
Built of stone on the site of the present-day church, the structure was designed by the French military engineer Josué Dubois Boisbertelot de Beaucours and measured 60 feet long by 30 feet wide. Its completion was a testament to the dedication of the early colonists and the Sulpician Order. Six months after its opening, in May 1714, the parish was formally renamed Saint-Joachim-de-la-Pointe-Claire.
The Heart of the Community
The first church quickly became the focal point for the colonists, fostering a strong sense of community identity and belonging. The subsequent arrival of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame and their convent further solidified the Catholic Church’s central role and influence in the new parish. This foundational structure served the community for nearly a century and a half before being replaced by a larger building.
Continue the Story
The story of the parish church is one of constant evolution. Discover what happened next in the history of the second church.